Sunday, December 29, 2013

We had the boys baptized on December 29th at our church, La Jolla Presbyterian. Our regular pastor was not there to conduct the ceremony, but the youth pastor, Mike Sedgewick, did a good job. Both boys were cooperative and Kaden loved being up in front of the entire congregation. Unfortunately, we didn't get the best photos, but Gammi and Pop were there to witness the event. We had a nice brunch at Barbarella afterwards.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Kaden got a "big-boy" bike on Christmas morning and was riding it that afternoon. To say I was amazed is an understatement. He's been riding his balance bike for about a year and a half now, and everyone told me the transition to a "real bike" would be an easy one. I was unconvinced and was sure he was going to have to use training wheels, at least for a few months. But I was 100% wrong. He hopped on the bike up at the High School track and took off. He was so proud of himself, and I was so proud of him. I could tell that he relished his first taste of independence and, as he whizzed around the track, I loved watching him taking it all in. What a fun milestone this was!

He's been riding every day since and it has not lost its luster. He begged us to add a kickstand and now he feels like a really big guy.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Harrison had a lot of "firsts" this month. The highlight was certainly his first time on a swing. He absolutely loved it! He smiled when I gently pushed him back and forth, but then screamed with glee when his brother took over the controls and sent him on a wilder ride. I'm convinced this one will be my daredevil.

The valley of the month was Harrison's first trip to the ER. He'd had a cold during the daytime hours but as night crept on his cough turned to a bark. In the dead of night, around 1 a.m., he started wheezing and couldn't breath. Since Kevin was out of town on business, I bundled Harrison up, woke K, and dashed off to the closest hospital. Kaden was terrific - very agreeable, patient, and understanding. He was quiet as I spoke with the doctors and nurses, stayed close as the nurses whisked us off from room to room, and was quite concerned about his little brother. He made several comments on our trip to the hospital - "mom, you're going faster than an ambulance," "mom, that was a red light,""mom, are the police going to get us?" - but once we got there, he was as quiet as a mouse. The diagnosis was croup and, after a steroid dose, he was back to normal.

This month Harrison found his hands and seems enthralled by them. If they aren't in his mouth, he's just looking them over trying to figure out where they came from and how they are controlled. He also, finally, rolled over from his back to his stomach. I can imagine it was quite a feat as he's still a little chunk - look at those edible thighs!!!

First visit with Santa -

Naptime -

Bath time -

"Helping" Dad and Kaden assemble his new chest of drawers -

Getting a good look at Dad -

First time in the bouncy. The smiles totally gives away how much he loves his new toy.

Friday, December 20, 2013

December is always a busy month full of celebrations and parties. This December proved no different.

Dave (our elf) Arrived on December 1st:

Our friends, The Mischlers, held a Thankful for Friends brunch. These little smiles certainly make a heart thankful:

The annual La Jolla Christmas Parade was a hit:

Kaden asked Santa to bring a pretend chainsaw for him and a real weed-sacker for Dad.

In anticipation of a trip to Mexico (which was not taken), Harrison gets his first passport:

K made cookies for the recycling guy and the yard waste collectors and was especially excited about his festive attire sent from Gammi.

Gammi and Pop arrive!

Gammi and Pop get to be the "mystery readers" at K's school. The book they chose was The Secret Pizza Party. K loved it and we read it at least 100 times. So many times, in fact, that it was the first book K memorized. He was reading it to us in less than a week.

Our visit to Santa in the mall. K insisted on wearing his Rudolph nose.

HPF

KPF

KPF

Our Family Blog

Inspired by a friend who blogs about her children's adventures, I've decided to record our boys' experiences and milestones in a similar manner. I'm hopeful that my friends and family have half as much fun viewing our life as I have had reading about the Jefferies Family. While our blog may not be half as witty, I hope it is just as charming. More than anything, I hope it is a way for "far-away" family to feel as if they are sharing in our life.